By Ophadile Gofhamodimo The first time is a sunriseA horizon untouched by doubtA golden thread of lightWeaving itself into the fabric of my purpose-That first winA seed buried deepWaiting to burst into BloomWith the rain of beliefI am In It to Win It I felt it thenAs I feel it nowThe heartbeat of the earth... Continue Reading →
An Ode to the Matriarch
By Rebaone K. Motsumi I remember the first time I saw you performPalpitations had my heart beating out of syncI wanted to print all of it in inkThe eight year old in me was mesmerisedHeld in awe by the true artistry categorisedBy your expertiseHow I loved your performance! You held a hoe in your right... Continue Reading →
The Many Skins We Wear
By Angel Joseph We all wear skins, so different, so true,In hues of the earth, from every view.Some are as light as the soft morning sun,Others are dark, like the night that’s just begun. Each skin a story, a history so deep,A tapestry woven from promises we keep.Some born of lands with the brightest gold,Others... Continue Reading →
Don’t Forget (A poem for Sahrawi)
By Cynthia Thanda As you click your computerBrowsing through the liesFabricated to erase my lifeKnow that I am somewhereUnder the sizzling sandsThat now suffocate my land. My rotting body lies on the groundIt’s a feast for the flies all aroundWhile my son clutchesMy corpse, crying for his father. Don’t forget it’s your silence that killed... Continue Reading →
Later
Akim Mbwemanga “Later, later,” I cried.Mother Nature smiledKnowing precisely all that’s meant to be,Everything her spouse had in store for me,“Do it later,” I said, unfortunately. Father Time grinned,“He said later?”He burst into laughter“Doesn't he know I'm fleeting?”His tone was clear, I had sinned. “Do it later,” I saidWith pride swelling around my headForgetting that's... Continue Reading →
I Wish You Cheated
By Angel Joseph I wish you cheated, broke my heart in two,Left a stain so deep, I could hate you.I wish you lied, said cruel things in spite,So I’d have a reason to block you at night. But you were kind, and that’s what hurts most,No slam of the door, no haunting ghost.You walked away... Continue Reading →
Sebele: The Unerring Messenger
By Ronald Tlhokojapelo I. i. Every nation carries its secretslike the red mist that billowsfrom the half-glance of the sunat the break of a pocketed dawn. This is Kopong,where the shepherd has penned his sheep,each bud has begun to sproutand the grooms stand; their flowers plucked. A land began to breathe.Clothed in a cradle of... Continue Reading →
Rain
By Akim Mbwemanga The greater the pain,The more pleasant the gainBlood stains my soul, from all the vices slain.Tears fall,as I stand aloof in the rainFears crawl and endorse self-blame.I clear my throat as a thought lights my dome aflame –Tame the beast inside, to prey again,and pray,As I my soul regain. Akim Mbwemanga is... Continue Reading →
Chains
By Akim Mbewamanga We will bleed sweat and cry blood As all that we've worked for is squeezed into tears Fears die, as we drown in beers Dry eyes stare steadily as we shake Awake, in a world of pain Wishing for freedom once again. Akim Mbwemanga is a dedicated student pursuing a career in... Continue Reading →
Heretic Mountains
By Teedzani Thapelo Beneath a sun cast cold by ash and smoke,I tread these paths, where once laughter woke.These mountains, once our haven, stand unbowed,But echo with the silence of the shroud.The land, once lush, lies broken, scarred, and bare,A canvas painted with despair.The plague, a serpent, coils in sunlit air,A whisper of oblivion, a... Continue Reading →

